Does Couples provide transfer to the Negril airstrip or do we have to take a cab?

We love taking TimAir for the return. It gives you two more hours on the beach. Most times we take the shuttle to Negril. People are in a party mode and we grab a few beers for the road. CN is right across the road from the Negril airstrip. You can walk if you want or Couples will provide a van to take you there.

What tipping is appropriate for the Timair personnel? The pilot? Handlers?

We tip the van driver(taxi to the air strip) $5. There will be a luggage handler at the Negril air strip. We tip him $5. If we are the only ones on the plane we will tip the pilot $20. If there are others we give him $10. There will be a baggage guy in MoBay we give him $5 and then TimAir has their own van that takes you to the International terminal, we give him $5. We then hire a porter at the airport--another $5. I know it sounds like a lot of money, but it's how all of these people make their living. A porter will get you to the right spot in the airport. If you are flying on a Friday, Saturday or Sunday the airport will be a zoo. A porter will cut through all of the mess-it's well worth the $5.

Can you count on a timely departure from Negril if the flight is booked in advance?

If you pre book with TimAir they will send a plane for you and it will be on time. For a return flight it's a must. The TimAir office, in Negril, is literally a shed that might be 12' x 12'. Across the way is the bathroom and a lady that sells Red Stripe out of a cooler. You can go grab a beer and watch for your plane. We love TimAir. It's the only way to end your vacation.

Has anyone done Timair at the last minute? As in, after you land at MBJ you decide to see if a plane is available and if so you take Timair to Negril. Or is it highly recommended that you pre-book your flight with them. Just curious.

We have a few times, but that was when both TimAir and International Airlink were flying. Now there is only TimAir so there is a lower chance that they have a flight when we land at MBJ, so we pre-book.

The last 3 years we have flown TimAir, we arrange it when we get to the airport. I go to the Couples Lounge and check in, while my finace' goes and finds a TimAir Rep and gets the price. Our last visit October 2009 it was 105.00 per person and that included all taxes, one way. We had to wait about 10min for a plane, and we were on our way. I love taking the flight, up the coast line, its so beautiful, and well worth the price. CN is only about 3-5min walk from the landing strip... If you do not wish to walk there has always been a taxi ready to drive us, but we have chosen to walk. Go! Enjoy! and have your camera ready!!

Thanks for the replies. We just may try it on a spur of the moment as we have taken a shuttle to negril on a previous trip with our kids. The experience and views look unbelievable and if it gets us to the resort quicker that is an added bonus.

jamerinadians,
let them know your flight # and they will tell you what time you need to be there for your return flight. it is well worth is...we are taking tim air both ways ..on dec3rd and 12th. soon come

Thanks for the responses! They were very helpful. We're going to book the TimAir flight. Will they suggest a departure time from Negril or do I need to tell them?

December will be our first TimAir experience from Montego Bay to Negril.

If you reserve a flight on their website, you give them your major airline, MBJ arrival information (Airline name, flight number and arrival time). They will send you a confirmation e-mail.

After you clear immigration/customs, go to the TimAir desk in the Transportation Hall immediately after you exit the Customs area. The TimAir desk is almost right in front of you when you enter the hall and faces to the back of the hall. Look for the TIMAIR sign above the desk (which is desk #6.) You will pay for your flight there. The TimAir representative there will arrange to get you to the check in counter at the Domestic Terminal for your flight. A plane should be gassed up and ready to go.

We also plan to go to the Couples Lounge and check in there. This is to let Couples know that we've arrived and that we are taking TimAir so they don't have to arrange a shuttle for us. I think we'll ask if they can have a Couples shuttle waiting for us at the Negril Airport, but if there isn't one, there should be a taxi available to take us to CSA for a few dollars.

Timair

Hi Everyone,

We have similar questions - headed to CTI in February.

Does TimAir fly to Ocho Rios?
How long does it take vs. taking the transportation provided by the resort?
How far from the landing strip to the resort? If far, how do we get there?
How much does it cost?